Yosemite under threat as wildfire engulfs northern California (VIDEOS & PHOTOS)
Over two thousand firefighters are battling a wildfire that has engulfed 48,000 acres of rugged terrain in California. 29 structures have been destroyed and power’s been cut to Yosemite National Park.
#DetwilerFire is 48,000 acres - 7% contained & remains dynamic. Firefighters are facing high temps & drought stressed vegetation. pic.twitter.com/ocCRRQUvGP
— CAL FIRE PIO (@CALFIRE_PIO) July 20, 2017
Smoke and ash falling in Yosemite and we have no power. At least the lodge has a generator for the restaurant and wifi. #DetwilerFirepic.twitter.com/R9S4J3XANq
— Bill Kent (@bwkent) July 18, 2017
Several towns in Mariposa County are under evacuation orders as officials struggle to contain the rapidly moving fire, named the Detwiler fire after its origin near Detwiler Road. Video posted by the Redwood City Fire Department shows air tankers dropping retardant on the flames.
4,500 homes are under threat, according to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, as the blaze continues to spread rapidly after lighting Sunday.
California State Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County.
.@JerryBrownGov declares State of Emergency in Mariposa County due to #DetwilerFirehttps://t.co/9wKNmhVzeQ
— Gov. Brown Press Ofc (@GovPressOffice) July 18, 2017
